Thank you Mario Molina

Mario Molina (1943-2020) was a Mexican chemist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995, along with F. Sherwood Rowland and Paul J. Crutzen, for their work in atmospheric chemistry, particularly for their discovery of the role of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) in ozone depletion.

Molina was born on March 19, 1943, in Mexico City, Mexico. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 1965, and later earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1972.

In the mid-1970s, Molina and Rowland began researching the potential effects of CFCs on the Earth's ozone layer. They found that CFCs, which were widely used in refrigeration and other industries, could break down in the atmosphere and release chlorine atoms that could destroy ozone molecules. Their research ultimately led to the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, an international agreement to phase out the production and use of CFCs.

Throughout his career, Molina was a vocal advocate for environmental protection and sustainable development. He held numerous academic positions and received many honors for his work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2013. Molina passed away on October 7, 2020, at the age of 77.

Molina's work has also had a broader impact on environmental policy and awareness. His research and advocacy helped to raise awareness of the need for sustainable development and environmental protection. He was a champion of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and protect natural resources.